Fastrak

Fast, accurate 3D position measurement and motion tracking

The Fastrak 3D Digitizer is the most accurate electromagnetic tracking system available, and it is the perfect solution for localization of electrodes and body landmarks in preparation for the coregistration of surface measured potentials with anatomical/functional images in EMSE Suite or BESA.  Fastrak is controlled by the Locator software, which acquires and displays 3D position measurements for electrodes, fiducial landmarks and other points on the body surface.

Fastrak uses patented low-frequency magnetic transducing technology, so there's no need to worry about maintaining a clear line-of-sight between receiver and transmitter.   This powerful technology eliminates the problem of signal blocking and interference that distorts sonic and laser devices.

Best of all, Fastrak, coupled with the Locator software, is a very fast way to measure electrode positions.  Consider this -- your total time commitment for electrode position measurement is approximately 2 seconds per electrode (roughly 2 minutes for 64 channels or 4 1/2 minutes for 128 channels. 

Consider these benefits:

• Adds only a few minutes to a study.

• Electrode coordinates are compatible with almost all research EEG analysis programs, including BESA, EMSE Suite, Analyzer and those made by competitors.

• Resolution of 0.0002 inches per inch of transmitter and receiver separation; 0.025 degrees orientation. Static accuracy of 0.03" RMS for the X, Y, or Z position; 0.15 degrees RMS for receiver orientation.

Components

The Fastrak 3D Digitizer as provided by Cortech Solutions includes a System Electronics Unit (SEU), a power supply, three cube receivers, one stylus and one standard transmitter.

• System Electronics Unit: Contains the hardware and software necessary to generate and sense the magnetic fields, compute position and orientation, and interface with the host computer via an RS-232.
• Transmitter: The transmitter is a triad of electromagnetic coils, enclosed in a plastic shell, that emits the magnetic fields. The transmitter is the system's reference frame for receiver measurements.
• Receiver: The receiver is a small triad of electromagnetic coils, enclosed in a plastic shell, that detects the magnetic fields emitted by the transmitter. The receiver is a lightweight cube whose position and orientation are precisely measured as it is moved. The receiver is completely passive and highly reliable.
• Stylus: The stylus is a pencil-like device that contains a triad of electromagnetic coils, and is used for digitizing electrode locations and collecting the contours of a subject's head.  We provide the system with the stylus in an 8" length, with a round nib.

Features

• Real Time: Virtually no latency. Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology provides 4ms latency updated at 120 Hz. And data is transmitted to the host at up to 100K bytes/sec.
• Improved Accuracy and Resolution: Accuracy of 0.03" RMS with a resolution of 0.0002 in./in. makes this the most precise device of its kind.
• Range: Standard range is up to 10 feet. Coverage of up to 30 feet is possible with the optional LONG RANGER transmitter.
• Multiple Receiver Operation: Permits measurement of up to 4 receivers on a single system and up to 16 receivers at a time, utilizing four multiplexed systems.
• Reliable: From the pioneer in 3D position/orientation measuring devices, in business since 1970. Factory calibrated, never needs adjustment.
• Multiple Output Formats: Position in Cartesian coordinates (inches or centimeters); orientation in direction cosines, Euler angles or Quaternions.

Copyright © Polhemus, Inc.

Additional info

Fastrak specifications

A detailed table outlines the key specifications of the Fastrak 3D digitizer.  The benefits of certain specifications are not always obvious to non-engineers, so don't hesitate to ask if something is not clear.